THUNDER BAY – Dan Zupansky, a Thunder Bay native reminisces being very fortunate having been involved with Thunder Bay’s music scene starting in the spring of 1983. That year was the debut of Pie in the Sky, The exclusive 5-piece indie band that played to packed crowds as the house band at the Inntowner that summer.
In 1987, with the help of CKPR radio personality Larry Hennessey, Dan launched Superhero Recordings, a full-fledged professional audio recording studio that seen many grassroots artists and groups walk through the doors.
In 1989 after the disbandment of Pie in the Sky, “Love Dudes” surfaced where they played many shows at The Boda another lost but not yet forgotten musical landmark currently the new home of Crocks today. In 1992 they received recognition from CKPR radio and television, crowning the Love Dudes song writing abilities with first place in the biggest Thunder Bay musical contest that year.
“Based on my positive musical experience and with friends and fans support in 1994, I relocated to Winnipeg to further my music and recording career as an artist. For years, Dan continued returning to Thunder Bay every couple of months visiting family and friends. While away from his home base he developed an all-new appreciation for every aspect Thunder Bay had to offer for anyone moving or just visiting the city.
Hanging up his musical jacket for a typewriter, Dan went on to pursue his passion for writing. “In the beginning of my journalism career starting in 2000, I wrote, produced and hosted a live talk show called Off the Cuff, that aired weekly on CJUM the University of Manitoba’s radio station”.
In 2004 , with a few years under his belt , Dan researched one particularly shocking murder in Winnipeg, that left everyone in the downtown area terror stricken for months after the crime. I had no idea the incredible journey I would undertake from covering this case, that lead up to the events where my life would take an extreme turn when I had no idea the graphic and horrific events leading up to the trial commencing December of 2008.
By virtue of my work as a journalist I became the star witness for the prosecution, testifying against the killer, trying to ensure he would spend the rest of his days in prison.
I signed a publishing deal with a Toronto company Prohyptikon Publishing in 2009 and in April 2010 the non-fiction book Trophy Kill: The Shall We Dance Murder was released. Trophy Kill includes 5 major characters from Thunder Bay that play an integral part to the gruesome tale. A former Crown Attorney, the defense, a videographer and the killer’s cellmate and myself, the book author and witness for the prosecution.
“My life in Thunder Bay shaped my thoughts and aspirations, instilling in me the confidence to go out in the world and pursue my dreams. Whether I move back or just continue to visit, Thunder Bay will always be home, the place where I feel most welcome and the place of my most formative years, the most profound and influential years, the most inspiring time of my life. Thunder Bay can be a nurturing home, encouraging the often necessary relocation for career and education, but welcoming back all to Thunder Bay, even if it’s just for a visit”.
Trophy Kill-The Shall We dance Murder is available at the following locations
- The Urban Boutique @ 1096 Memorial Ave, Thunder Bay
- Chapters and Coles locations in Winnipeg
- McNally Robinson and the University of Manitoba bookstore.
- It is also available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble and from TrophyKill.tv.
Check out Dan’s radio talk program True Murder-The Most Shocking Killers in True Crime History on New Jersey-based Internet radio station BlogTalkRadio on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. cst or on-demand anytime. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dan-zupansky1.
Raechel Reed
MMG
An Urban Boutique Company